Power Stop rotors & pads kit Questions?

[apanello]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but most of these rotors come warped from the company. Sorry.

 

[UncleGiggles]

Not to burst anyone's bubble but most of these rotors come warped from the company. Sorry.

Strange, what makes you think that?

 

[apanello]

Mine are warped and have been since I got them. I was so sad. Possibly I just got unlucky...

 

[UncleGiggles]

Mine are warped and have been since I got them. I was so sad. Possibly I just got unlucky...

That is unfortunate, but that doesn't really indicate that "most of them come warped" by any means, more like speculation.

 

[apanello]

Okay

 

[AJ@AutoAnything]

It is very rare to get a warped set of rotors out of the box. I hear about this issue often in our customer service department. The brake system is complicated and works in unison with all the respective parts. If you just change the pads or rotors and don't update the whole system, that can cause issues which can LEAD to warping/vibrations/problems. Also, some of the brakes require you to break them in and if not done correctly, can cause a hot spot to form which will cause shuddering or vibrations. This is not to say warping can't happen, but usually it is something else. This has been my experience anyway...

 

[cferrer56]

Good thread guys! Here's my 2 cents. When dealing with brakes (and tires), there's always going to be a "trade off". Ex: with tires, if you want to get long mileage tires their "compounds" formula (chemical make up, rubber recipe, etc) makes for a "harder" rubber, which will give you the long mileage you want, but at the "sacrifice" of having lesser traction (grip). If you want tires with better grip, then the opposite is true. The componds used, make the rubber "softer" for better traction, but you'll get less mileage with those, since high traction tires will leave a lot of rubber on the road. With drilled and slotted rotors, their "advantage" is less brake "fade", where you're "braking" often (carrying heavy loads, frequent trips on high grade roads) like driving up and down steep hills or mountains. I have no off road experience, so I can't say anything about how "frequently" braking is needed. So if braking often while off roading, then drill and slotted is the way to go. Why the slots, holes or dimples? Frequent braking means a lot of heat build up. Braking is high "friction" to slow/stop. During this heat build up there is "very little", but very hot air between the two surfaces (pads and rotors). The slots,etc allows a way for this very high heat to "vent away" from the friction surfaces, and thus disipate this heat build up. The "trade off" is rapid pad wear, which is something to "have to" monitor. I used to live on a mountain and commuted to work in the valley. rapidly wearing brakes is what you have to live with. If you "monitor" pad wear after your first set up (installation), you'll gain knowlegde as to what "time frame" you have til you have to replace your pads. The most important thing for me is "safety". So with that in mind, I will always go with slotted and drilled rotors with the recommended pads for that rotor (always go with the mfg's recommended set). The higher traction (softer compond) tires will always be my preferred choice. So important are those times when you "have to" stop very quickly (accident avoidance). Like insurance, you don't need it until you "need" it. I accept the fact that replacement will occur more fequently. For me, this set up is what I "accept" for safety's sake. It's a personal choice (and your budget) as far as recommending "specific brand" names. My experience, I found the Power Slot brand rotor and pad combination gives you the best bang for the buck. Way too many variables to discuss here as far as tires go, but I'll say this much; buy "only" big name brand tire manufacturers. Please bare in mind that I'm talking about two "extremes", and there is a lot of "middle ground". This is where "researching/shopping" before buying is a must and I find it quite fun and educating. This forum is great for doing just that. Sorry, I guess I gave you guys more that 2 cents worth. Enjoy your rides and be safe!!!

 

[cferrer56]

I forgot to address that "warping" issue. I've never experienced new rotors being warped. It just doesn't happen. The breaking in of a new set is "extremely" important. I believe the Power Slot website, explains very clearly how important it is and how to do this. Note: Most people don't do this, and are just lucky, that they don't "mess up" there new set up. It's something like driving 0 to 10 mph and stopping "slowly" a couple/three times. Then drive 0 to 20 mph and stopping two/three times. Then 0 to 30 mph, and so on and so on. Stopping a little faster/harder as you increase your speed. This proceedure will properly "set" the rotor/pad combo. If this is not done and within a short time after the installation, and you "co-incidently" get in a situation where you have to "seriously" stop or drive down a "long steep" grade, then there's a good chance you can create enough heat to warp the rotors (because they were not properly set/broken in). Very frustrating situation to find yourself in. If you do a fair amount of business with the vendor (developed a relationship) and/or there's a written warranty, you may be able to get free replacement, or a least a pro-rated replacement cost. Save all your receipts and good luck!!!

 

[jhbpilot]

I installed the power stop brakes about 4 months ago. I have only good things to say about them. Smooth and quiet! The stopping power has greatly improved over stock, but some of that might be the difference between new and old brakes. The best thing is that they stay extremely clean in regards to brake dust. Easy install as well! I did follow the recomended break in procedure.....

 

[AJ@AutoAnything]

Great to hear!! Their brake kits sure are popular too.

 

[yglide123]

I installed the power stop brake/rotor kit on the rear of mine - with the intention of doing the fronts as they wore out. Stopping power was certainly improved and I was very impressed - but they do make a ticking noise that is audible as you drive by parked cars with the windows down. I was told that this is normal from the power stop company - which makes sense given the holes, but is disappointing. I will not be putting these on the front and will eventually pull them off the rear before they wear out as the noise is annoying.

 

[tower]

Strange never had any noise from mine. When do you hear the noise? I had a ticking noise from the rear turmed out to be the parking brake.

 

[apanello]

Two years and still going. Aside from my initial assumptions, I believe these rotors and pads were a great investment. Inspection of the rotors reveals minor wear, minor rust on non contact surfaces. Brake pads 60% worn. These brakes have saved me an accident a time or two combined with my destination a/t's. Good investment.

$.02